Braves added Floyd, settle with Beachy

FILE - In this April 21, 2013 file photo, Chicago White Sox starter Gavin Floyd delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago. The Atlanta Braves have reached an agreement to sign free-agent right-handed pitcher Gavin Floyd to a one-year deal. The addition of Floyd, confirmed by the team on Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, gives the Braves a veteran starter to replace Tim Hudson, who signed with the Giants. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File)

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Braves added a needed veteran for their rotation Monday when they agreed to a $4 million, one-year contract with right-hander Gavin Floyd.

Now the question is when Floyd will be ready to pitch.

Floyd, 30, is recovering from surgery in May to repair the ulnar collateral ligament and a torn flexor muscle in his right elbow. That ended his seventh season with the White Sox.

He passed a physical in Atlanta on Monday before completing the deal, which also includes roster and performance bonuses.

Floyd said his arm ''feels tremendous.''

''It's nice to start over, create the right mechanics ... all the simple things to become more natural,'' he said.

Atlanta also avoided arbitration with pitcher Brandon Beachy, agreeing to a $1.45 million, one-year deal. He would earn a $25,000 bonus for 30 starts.

Floyd, who spoke at Turner Field on Monday, said he already has recovered his arm speed and is just working on endurance. He said he has been cleared to throw from 55 feet.

Braves general manager Frank Wren said he hopes Floyd can be ready in May. Despite his optimistic update on his recovery, Floyd said ''I have no idea'' when he'll be ready to pitch.

Floyd said he liked the Braves, who won the NL East in 2013, for their consistent success.

''It just seemed like all the arrows were pointing to Atlanta,'' he said.

Wren said he expects Floyd to be a ''solid, middle of the rotation starter.''

The Braves needed more experience in the rotation after losing Tim Hudson, who signed with the Giants, and free agent Paul Maholm.

The rotation returns Julio Teheran, Mike Minor, Kris Medlen, Brandon Beachy and Alex Wood. Medlen, 28, has the most experience of the group. Beachy, 27, missed most of the 2013 season recovering from elbow ligament-replacement surgery.

David Hale, who was 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA in two starts this year, could compete for a spot. Wood pitched in relief in 20 of his 31 appearances last season.

Even before Hudson signed with the Giants, Wren said adding a veteran starting pitcher was a top offseason priority. Wren said Floyd will help the younger starters.

''He's a solid starter that's been around and knows what needs to be done,'' Wren said.

Before the elbow injury, Floyd consistently logged 180 or more innings with the White Sox. He won 10 or more games in five straight seasons from 2008-12. He was 0-4 with a 5.18 ERA in five games this year.

Floyd's best season in Chicago came in 2008, when he was 17-8. He has a 70-70 career record with the White Sox and Phillies.

Floyd can earn $675,000 in roster bonuses: $175,000 for 15 days and $250,000 each for 30 and 60 days. He also can earn $250,000 each for each start from 21-28 and $500,000 apiece for each start from 30-33.